Patents Examined by Hau Phan
  • Front wheel energy recovery system
    Patent number: 8973690
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: W. Morrision Consulting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Yates, III, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Folding wagon
    Patent number: 8973940
    Abstract: The present invention is a wagon that can be folded along a middle plane that bisects the wagon between a front and rear portion. The folding wagon comprises of wheels, a folding frame, a support structure, a front panel a handle connected to the frame, wheels, and a bag hanger that are detailed herein. The folding frame includes a top rail formed of a top rail front portion and a top rail rear portion, a middle rail formed of a middle rail front portion and a middle rail rear portion, a bottom rail formed of a bottom rail front portion and a bottom rail rear portion. The top rail, the middle rail, and the bottom rail are connected by a hinge means. The top rail front portion is mounted to the top rail rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Zhaosheng Chen, Yishun Chen
  • Ski having asymmetric characteristics
    Patent number: 8967655
    Abstract: In order to assure smooth and essentially equidistant running of correspondingly loaded pair of skis over ground when turning left or right without any sideslip, a ski is bent at its tip at a pre-determined angle around its longitudinal axis and deflected from the ground by a radius along a that longitudinal axis. Despite a practically symmetric appearance of the circumference of such ski when observed in top view, the distance between a front inflection point and a rear inflection point on the left ski edge and the distance between the front inflection point and the rear inflection point on the right ski edge differ from each other such that the active lengths of the ski edges differ from each other. A weak area of the ski is provided adjacent at least one inflection point to provide different compression distributions between the ground and each of the ski edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Elan, D.O.O.
    Inventors: Luka Grilc, Marko Kozjek, Vinko Avgustin, Matej Bozicnik
  • Driven vehicle axle
    Patent number: 8967304
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to a driven vehicle axle, which is coupled or can be coupled to an internal combustion engine and/or at least one electric machine that optionally can be operated as an engine or generator and which includes a brake device having an eddy current brake (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Simens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Klöpzig, Heinz-Werner Neumüller
  • Battery pack tray
    Patent number: 8967312
    Abstract: A battery pack tray includes: a tray body including: a bottom which has a concave-convex portion that includes convex and concave portions which extend in a first direction; and a wall which is upward bent from a periphery of the bottom; reinforcement frames provided along opposed wall portions of the wall in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a cross member disposed on an upper surface of the concave-convex portion, and forming a first closed cross-section with the concave-convex portion, both end portions of the cross member being secured to the reinforcement frames; an inner cross member secured to an upper surface of the cross member, both end portions of the inner cross member being secured to the reinforcement frames; and attachment brackets secured to the reinforcement frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Yanagi
  • Modular supporting device for a semi-trailer and semi-trailer having such supporting device
    Patent number: 8967667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for a semi-trailer or the like, comprising an outer supporting tube and an inner supporting tube, wherein the inner supporting tube is telescopically arranged in the outer supporting tube and may be moved in the axial direction relative to the outer supporting tube by a spindle mechanism mounted inside the outer supporting tube. The supporting device may further comprise an actuating device for actuating the spindle mechanism, which is configured as a separate structural unit and arranged outside of the outer supporting tube. The invention further relates to a semi-trailer having at least one such supporting device as well as an actuating device and a transmission device for use in such a supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Saf-Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Elmar Weber
  • Hubless wheel and related stroller
    Patent number: 8967636
    Abstract: A stroller includes a frame and a plurality of hubless wheels. A seat is disposed on the frame. The hubless wheels are disposed on the frame. The hubless wheel includes a rim, an internal sliding structure and at least one bridging component. A tire is disposed on the hubless wheel. The rim has an external sliding structure on an inner surface of the rim. The internal sliding structure is disposed inside the external sliding structure. The bridging component is disposed between the external sliding structure and the internal sliding structure. The bridging component revolves on its own axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Andrew J. Horst
  • Child carrier folding cart
    Patent number: 8967657
    Abstract: A cart for use in supporting an infant carrier which includes an articulating frame having front and rear pairs of spaced apart and elongated members. Pairs of wheels are secured to lower ends of the elongated members. First and second latch sub-assemblies each include a pair of pivotally connected and conduit shaped bodies, these sliding over intermediate locations of the pairs of elongate members and such that the elongate members are permitted to pivot between expanded and collapsed positions. A perimeter defined frame is supported upon pivotally inter-connecting upper ends of the elongated members, the frame adapted to support the infant carrier thereupon during ambulatory traversing of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Shawn C. Burchi
  • Grill shutter device
    Patent number: 8960343
    Abstract: Provided is a grill shutter device including a shutter mechanism controlling a flow rate of air flowing into a vehicle body from the grill opening portion of the vehicle body front portion by an opening and closing operation; a frame configured to support the shutter mechanism within the grill opening portion; an actuator that is held in the frame and performs the opening and closing driving of the shutter mechanism; and a holding structure capable of relatively moving the actuator to the front side of the frame, based on the collision load at the time of the vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Asano, Kenji Maeta, Kenji Hori, Takashi Saito, Yuji Suzuki
  • Helmet holder attachment structure of saddle-ride type vehicle
    Patent number: 8960720
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle including grab rails that can be gripped by a pillion passenger seated on the pillion passenger seat and a helmet holder that allows selection between a lock state of a metal fitting of a chin strap of a helmet and an unlock state, and configured such that it is unlikely that the helmet holder prevents the pillion passenger from gripping the grab rails. A recess portion is formed in a grab rail, having its opening opened facing an attachment portion of a body frame for attachment of the grab rail. A helmet holder is provided at the position sandwiched between the grab rail and the attachment portion while having at least a part of the cylinder lock stored in the recess portion, and a key hole of the cylinder lock opened facing the outer surface of the grab rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hojo, Akira Omae, Hiroyuki Miyazaki
  • Continuously variable electric drive module for electric vehicles
    Patent number: 8960341
    Abstract: An electric drive module for use in electric vehicles includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a continuously-variable gearbox assembly interconnecting the first and second electric traction motors to a pair of wheels, and a third electric motor for controlling a direction and rotary speed of a component of the gearbox assembly so as to continuously vary a speed ratio between the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Magna E-Car Systems of America, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Weber
  • Tracking foldable cart
    Patent number: 8955870
    Abstract: A foldable cart assembly which is arranged to provide trackable transportation to a product or a person. The cart contains sensors and computer-controlled drive wheels to enable that cart assembly, when fully opened, to follow a safe path as directed by received electronic signals. That cart assembly is also tri-foldably collapsible, so as to have multiple portions pivoted into nesting configuration with one another thus containable in a minimal volume and even carried by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: FTR Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Chunghsin Lee, Jian Zhang
  • Directed air systems for improving aerodynamics of a vehicle
    Patent number: 8950534
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the aerodynamic efficiency (e.g., reduce drag) on vehicles, such as class 8 tractors. In some disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize exhausted gases from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle to direct a stream of gas forwardly of the vehicle. In other disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize generated air flow from, for example, electric fans, engine driven or pneumatically/hydraulically driven pumps, etc., to direct a stream of gas forwardly of the vehicle for reducing the aerodynamic drag on vehicles. In yet other disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize a unique configuration of the vehicle's radiator fan(s) in order to direct a stream of gas forwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • AC drive system for a vehicle
    Patent number: 8950526
    Abstract: An AC drive method and system enables a more efficient and robust energy transfer in vehicles. The system includes an engine and a gearbox driven by the engine, wherein the gearbox has two or more gear ratios, an AC alternator is driven by the gearbox at a variable speed to generate an AC electric current that varies in both frequency and voltage as the speed of the alternator varies, one or more AC traction motors is then powered directly by the AC electric current from the AC alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Transport Energy Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Keith J. Bullock
  • Systems and methods for steering vehicles
    Patent number: 8950759
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle comprises a body, a steerable drive wheel attached to the body, and a load platform connected to the body that is movable between a lowered position and a lifted position. A load wheel is connected to the load platform and an intermediate load wheel is connected to the vehicle and positioned between the drive wheel and the load wheel. The load wheel is configured to facilitate moving the load platform between the lowered position and the lifted position and the intermediate load wheel is configured to cooperate with the load wheel to facilitate moving the load platform between the lowered position and the lifted position. The intermediate load wheel is also configured to form a pivot about which the vehicle turns throughout a range of motion of the load platform between and including the lowered position and the lifted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Thorsen, Roger J. Baywol, Edward J. Mowczan
  • Lightweight collapsible stroller
    Patent number: 8944457
    Abstract: A stroller is provided which includes a right frame and a left frame. Each frame has a front support rotatably connected to a rear support at a frame joint. The front support of each frame is a telescoping tube assembly. The stroller further includes a linkage comprising at least two substantially rigid members connected between the right frame and the left frame, the rigid members being connected to the front supports at a right slideable joint and a left slidable joint. The joints are received within the slot of the outer tube. A drive mechanism coupled to the right or left frame is also provided. The front support and the rear support of the right frame and the left frame are movable from an open position to a closed position by the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Justine Rembisz, Robert D. Daley, Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, John J. Walker, Elijah M. Wiegmann
  • Electrically driven vehicle
    Patent number: 8939242
    Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle includes a driver's seat, a left rear seat, a right rear seat, a center console, a first battery group, and a second battery group. The left rear seat and the right rear seat are provided side by side in a rear of the driver's seat. The center console is arranged between the left rear seat and the right rear seat and extends backwardly from the driver's seat. The first battery group includes batteries arranged under the driver's seat. The second battery group includes batteries arranged under the center console and under the left rear seat and the right rear seat in the rear of the driver's seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Kurakawa, Koji Aoki, Seiji Kato, Masaru Nakayama
  • Bumper module
    Patent number: 8939243
    Abstract: A bumper module including a body portion that is positioned between a front bumper cover and a heat exchanger in a vehicle front-and-rear direction and is disposed extending in a vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-and-rear direction; plural longitudinal ribs that are integrally formed on a lower surface of the body portion, extend toward a vehicle lower side, are disposed extending in the vehicle front-and-rear direction, and are lined up at intervals apart from each other in the vehicle width direction; and an air guide rib that is integrally formed on an upper surface of the body portion, extends toward a vehicle upper side, guides cooling air from a vehicle front to the heat exchanger, and whose front end is unaligned in at least one direction of the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-and-rear direction with respect to front ends of the plural longitudinal ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keita Ito
  • Extruded adjustable skateboard
    Patent number: 8936263
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided of skateboard decks and skateboard assemblies each having a unitary body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. Each embodiment can have a handle portion formed in the unitary body and configured to receive one or more fingers, the handle portion positioned proximate one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein can also comprise a first truck rail and a second truck rail extruded with the unitary body on the bottom surface, the first truck rail and the second truck rail running along at least a portion of a length of the unitary body and forming a track configured to movably receive a plurality of truck assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Joel Rawlins
  • Forward structure for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8936131
    Abstract: In the case of a front structure of a motor vehicle two cross members are connected to one another by means of a longitudinal beam. One of the attachments of the longitudinal beam is displaceable by an amount X in the direction of travel and has an adapter made from plastic. During driving operation a transfer of vibrations between the cross members is prevented by means of the attachment. In the event of a crash, the cross member oriented in the direction of travel is supported by the longitudinal beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralf-Dieter Bechtold, Stephan Blässer, Sascha Hoffeller